Professional Jazz Musician and Eagle Resident Alex Sjobeck Launches Lala’s Jazz
When professional jazz musician Alex Sjobeck moved back to Idaho four years ago under unexpected circumstances, she didn’t anticipate launching a full-blown jazz revival across the Treasure Valley. But with deep roots in the area and an expansive career that has taken her from New York to Los Angeles to Denver, Alex saw an opportunity to spark something big—and soulful—through a new nonprofit: Lala’s Jazz.
Now, with the official launch of Lala’s Jazz this summer, Alex is creating a new era for live jazz in the valley—starting with weekly Friday night performances at Coiled Wines in Garden City beginning this fall.
This isn’t just another concert series. It’s the beginning of what Alex and her board hope will become a true, community-supported jazz club experience in the Treasure Valley.
A Vision Rooted in Experience and Passion
Alex’s musical journey reads like a cross-country jazz tour. She studied at a conservatory in New York City, performed throughout the country, and built strong ties in some of the most iconic jazz communities. Over the past two years, she’s produced a monthly jazz series at Coiled Wines that’s drawn enthusiastic crowds and consistently sold-out shows.
That success led to a bigger dream—and the creation of Lala’s Jazz, which Alex founded alongside her parents. The board has since expanded to include Derek Ganong, head of Jazz Studies at Boise State University, and David Neilsen, an attorney who also helped establish the nonprofit legally.
“There wasn’t really a centralized listening room for jazz in the area,” says Alex. “We wanted to create a place where audiences can truly listen and engage with this music in a meaningful way.”
Weekly Jazz, Four Ways (Starting After the September Gala)
Following the nonprofit’s official kickoff gala this September, Lala’s Jazz will begin offering weekly Friday night shows at Coiled Wines. Each week will spotlight a different type of performance, rotating through four unique series.
Side Bar: Main Stage Shows
World-class jazz artists from around the globe take the stage—musicians Alex has collaborated with in cities like New York, LA, and beyond.. The drummer for the September gala resides in Austria, and Alex is currently in talks with a vocalist from Prague for a winter performance.
Standards Night
Small local ensembles perform classic jazz standards, celebrating the wealth of regional talent and the timelessness of the genre.
Student Feature Night
With involvement from Boise State University and potentially other schools, this series showcases exceptional student performers—from university-level jazz combos to advanced high school players, including students in the Gene Harris All-Star Combo led by Alex.
Community Jam Nights
Monthly jam sessions will bring together musicians of all ages and levels. These will be presented and funded during the school year by the Gene Harris Jazz Festival, a name familiar to many in the Idaho music community.
All shows—except for jam nights—are designed as true listening room experiences, inviting audiences to immerse themselves in the music, much like they would in the classic jazz clubs of New Orleans or Manhattan.
The Ideal Setting: Coiled Wines
The partnership with Coiled Wines provides an ideal venue. With a newly expanded space, beautiful ambiance, and a growing audience of loyal jazz fans, Coiled sets the perfect tone. Central to the vibe is a grand piano personally owned by Alex, which she moved into the space herself to support the caliber of musicians she brings for the Main Stage shows.
“There are no public venues in the valley with a grand piano like this,” she says. “It was a must-have for the level of artistry we’re striving to offer.”
The venue’s intimate layout, excellent acoustics, and community-focused atmosphere make it feel less like a bar or tasting room—and more like a jazz club.
Building a Lasting Legacy for Jazz
With a growing board, strong partnerships, and expanding performance opportunities, Alex and her team at Lala’s Jazz are shaping a lasting home for jazz in the Treasure Valley. And while the organization is growing, its roots will remain strong as a centralized venue.
“We have so much talent, and we just need to give it a stage,” Alex says. “Audiences are craving this kind of musical experience, and we’re excited to bring it to them.”
Want to Support or Attend?
Visit lalasjazz.com or follow @lalasjazz on Instagram or Facebook for upcoming shows, event tickets, and ways to get involved.
Let the music move you.
